Policy-Oriented Research in Invasion Science: Trends, Status, Gaps, and Lessons

Invasive alien species are a major driver of global environmental change. Escalating globalization processes such as international trade and long-distance transport have contributed to an increase in the ecological, economic, and sociocultural impacts of biological invasions. As a result, their management has become an increasingly relevant topic on environmental policy agendas. To better understand the role of policy in invasion science and to identify trends and gaps in policy-oriented research, a systematic literature review was conducted covering 2135 publications. The results highlight that international policy instruments are contributing to an increased interest in pursuing policy-oriented research. Specifically, key historical periods in policy development (e.g., the Convention on Biological Diversity's COP10 in 2010) coincide with periods of active policy-focused research in invasion science. Research is, however, more applied to local scales (i.e., subnational, and national) and is more focused in places with high research capacity or where severe environmental or economic impacts are well documented.

Automated summary

Invasive alien species play a significant role in driving global environmental change, and increasing globalization processes have contributed to the impacts of biological invasions in ecological, economic, and sociocultural aspects. The management of invasive species has become increasingly important in environmental policy agendas. A systematic literature review reveals that international policy instruments have contributed to an increased interest in policy-oriented research. Key historical periods in policy development coincide with active policy-focused research in the field of invasion science.